At Aspect, the placement year is more than just a stepping stone, it’s a launchpad for growth, discovery, and long-term career development. We spoke to two team members, Josh Olufsen and Rebeca Morgan, who began their journeys as placement students and returned to Aspect in full-time roles. Here’s what they had to say.
Josh:
“I first joined Aspect in 2022 as part of my placement year while studying at the University of Bath. From the beginning, I was encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and contribute to meaningful work, which gave me both confidence and real insight into the working world. During my placement, I had the opportunity to engage with teams across the business, which gave me a broader perspective on how different areas contribute to the company’s goals. While I thoroughly enjoyed the work I was doing within my placement team, those wider conversations and experiences sparked a particular interest in the work of the Middle & Back Office. Since I have returned to Aspect as a full-time MBO Analyst, I’ve worked on projects that have pushed me to think differently, develop new skills, and better understand how my work contributes to the bigger picture.”
Rebeca:
“I studied Accounting and Finance at the University of Bath and joined Aspect for my placement year as part of the accounts payable function within the finance department. After graduating, I was excited to return to Aspect full time. I’ve now been here for almost two years in a hybrid role that spans both data administration and finance, which has allowed me to broaden my skill set and take on new challenges.”
Josh:
"I initially felt pressure to use the year to figure everything out from the exact career path I wanted to follow to the kind of role I saw myself in long term. But I soon realised that instead of expecting all the answers right away, it was far more valuable to treat the year as an opportunity to learn as much as possible, through hands-on experience, building relationships, understanding the industry, and picking up new skills, both big and small. With the support of Aspect, and a culture that actively encourages you to follow your interests, opportunities naturally began to emerge, and my professional direction became much clearer. In the end, the placement year wasn’t about having everything figured out it was about building a stronger sense of what I enjoy, the kind of environment I thrive in, and what I want to develop further. It was a key stepping stone, not a final decision point, and that perspective made it all the more valuable."
Rebeca:
“My placement year played a big part in shaping my career direction. It gave me confidence in my abilities and showed me how much I enjoy working in a collaborative team environment. It also confirmed that finance was the right path for me. The experience helped me set clear goals for after graduation, especially around continuing with my ACCA qualification and returning to a company where I felt supported but also challenged.”
Josh:
“My role evolved quite significantly when I returned to Aspect, as I rejoined in a different team from the one I was part of during my placement year. Despite the shift in focus, I found that the relationships I’d built, the skills I’d developed, and the experience I gained while working in Finance were all highly transferrable, and incredibly valuable in helping me transition into a full-time position. Moving from an intern to a permanent analyst role definitely came with its learning curve but having already been part of the company’s culture and way of working made it easier to hit the ground running.”
Rebeca:
“When I returned, my role definitely stepped up in terms of responsibility and scope. I’ve had more ownership over my tasks and I've been able to get involved in cross-team projects which are making a real business impact and are pushing me to grow professionally.”
Josh:
“Looking back, I see the entire journey, from starting as a placement student to returning as a full-time analyst, as a key milestone in my development. Over that time, I’ve seen a real shift in myself—in how I think, communicate, and approach challenges.
What stands out most is how much the placement experience shaped not just my technical skills, but also my confidence, maturity, and ability to navigate a professional environment. Coming back after university felt like a full-circle moment; a chance to step into the next stage with a clearer sense of direction and a solid foundation to build on.”
Rebeca:
“One of the achievements I’m most proud of is completing all my ACCA exams while working full time. I’m now only weeks away from becoming a chartered accountant, which is a huge personal milestone and something I’ve worked really hard for.”
Josh:
"My advice would be to take full advantage of the opportunities your placement gives you, not just within your day to day role, but across the wider business. Try to gain a broader understanding of how different teams work, and be open to learning from those around you. Being mindful in how you do this, showing a willingness to learn, and contributing meaningfully go a long way.
Rather than focusing on the pressure of securing a return offer, I saw the year as a chance to grow, gain experience, and add value where I could both for myself and for Aspect. That approach helped me stay focused and make the most of the experience without losing sight of why I was there. Opportunities will come if and when they’re right, but they tend to follow genuine engagement and consistent effort, rather than simply being visible for the sake of it.
Rebeca:
“Enjoy it! A year might seem like a long time, but it really does fly by. Make the most of every opportunity—whether it’s learning from your colleagues, taking on a new task, or just getting involved in the wider company culture.”